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Scholarships
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Top scholarships for women
Find scholarships for women that can help you pay for college.
Women's scholarships
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AWG Mid-Career Excellence Award
Due: 7/15/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The AWG Mid-Career Excellence Award is given annually in recognition of an outstanding mid-career woman scientist. Recognizing that contributions vary for different career paths, we invite nominations in one of three categories: academia, industry, and government. Mid-career is defined as the professional stage demonstrating earned experience and expertise with the expectation of many years remaining to gain experience, advance qualifications and pursue leadership roles. This approximates to 7 to 20 years of professional experience. Nominees will be evaluated based on the impact and breadth of scientific contribution and their outstanding community service. Nominations are solicited from the AWG membership and from the geoscience community at large. A letter summarizing the nominee's significant contributions to Earth and space science, and impact of distinguished community service must be submitted. A minimum of two letters of support, with a maximum of five letters, are also required. Please visit the award's website for more information.
Foley Equipment Scholarship Fund
Due: 7/31/26
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Foley Equipment Scholarship was established to support mechanically-inclined high school students seeking a technical college or post-secondary degree focused on a career in heavy equipment, diesel, and/or electric power generation. Applicants must be current high school seniors and pursuing a degree and career in diesel technology. Preference will be given to women and minorities. This scholarship is renewable for up to 2 years as long as the student remains eligible. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation for more information.
Sand Student Research Presentation Travel Award
Due: 8/10/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$750
The Sand Student Travel Award provides women geoscience students with support to present their research at the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America. The award is to be used to help defray travel, lodging, registration, and other expenses associated with the presentation of the awardee's research at the meeting. To be eligible for the award, the applicant must be the presenting author of the submitted abstract; be currently enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program or the equivalent; have geoscience or a closely related discipline as their major or area of specialization; and be a woman (including cisgender, transgender, gender fluid, and non-binary persons). Please visit the award's website for more information.
The Nancy Hall Memorial Scholarship for Women in Material Handling and Supply Chain
Due: 8/14/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Nancy Hall Memorial Scholarship was created to offer financial aid to women who are pursuing careers in material handling, warehousing and heavy equipment. This scholarship is open to any students that are located within the United States and are either entering or are currently enrolled in college in 2023. The student must express an interest in pursuing a career in material handling or warehousing in their application. Proof of college acceptance is required if the applicant is currently in high school. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
AAUW American Short-Term Research Publication Grant
Due: 9/30/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
$8,000
The AAUW American Short-Term Research Publication Grants aim to increase the number of women with academic tenure and promote gender equity for women in higher education by providing funding to women in academia to prepare research manuscripts for publication. Grants are open to applicants in all fields of study, though those engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, or those researching gender issues, are especially encouraged to apply. The award may be used for drafting, editing, or modifying manuscripts; replicating research; responding to issues raised through critical review; or other work to increase the likelihood of research publication. Applicants must hold a Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., M.F.A., J.D., M.D., D.M.D., D.V.M., D.S.W., or M.P.H. at the time of application. Applicants must be listed as the sole author, first author, or an author of equivalent significance on their publication. Applicants must demonstrate scholarly excellence, as demonstrated by academic achievements, original research, recognition from peers, professors, and/or institutions, and other forms of distinction. Research must be original in design and will make significant contributions to the relevant field. Feasibility of plans for manuscript preparation, the proposed timeline, and budget are included in the selection criteria. Applicants' teaching experience; active commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities, professions or fields of research are also included in the selection criteria. Applicants pursuing research in science, technology, engineering, or math fields; or those researching gender issues are preferred. Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming life challenges beyond their control, such as socioeconomic status, discrimination, limited academic resources, or opportunities or other adverse circumstances. Applicants who were the first in their family to attain a bachelor's degree are preferred. Preference will also be given to applicants who lead or hail from single parent households. Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from advisors, professors, colleagues, or others who are academically or professionally familiar with the applicant, their work, professional qualifications, and academic background. Please visit the grant's website or contact the American Association of University Women for more information.
Wings Over 35 Scholarship
Due: 10/15/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$500
The Wings over 35 Scholarship is designed to promote general aviation among those who are over the age of 35 and aid a deserving person over the age of 35 to attain certification as a Private Pilot. In addition to WAI requirements, the applicant must not hold a Private Pilot's License; have a desire to pursue higher ratings; and hold a third class medical. All applicants must be current WAI members with an expiration date of March 30, 2026 or later. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation. Letters should not be from family members. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Women in Aviation International for more information.
AMWPA Syed Sultan Ahmed Physics Professor Memorial Merit Award
Due: 10/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
$500
The AMWPA Syed Sultan Ahmed Physics Professor Memorial Merit Award will be awarded to students whose parents are not physicians (exceptions will be made if parents never practiced as physicians). Applicants must be current or pre-medical or dental students at an accredited university or graduate school. The minimum cumulative GPA 3.50 is only required for pre-medical and pre-dental students. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the American Muslim Women Physicians Association for more information.
Esther Noffke Flight Training Scholarship
Due: 10/15/26
|No Transcripts Required
$5,000
In memory of aviation pioneer Esther Noffke, George J. Priester Aviation is awarding one flight training scholarship. Esther's passion for aviation was evident from a young age. She showed remarkable dedication by often skipping lunch at school, pocketing her lunch money to fund flying lessons. This early commitment paved the way for her to move to Texas, where she completed a rigorous seven-month program with the Army Air Force. This experience not only honed her skills, but also strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in aviation. Esther's legacy in the aviation industry is marked by her unwavering dedication and the significant impact she had on the institutions with which she was associated. Applicants must be enrolled in a flight program or enrolled in a college or university. The student must have a focus on aviation degree studies with defined goals. All applicants must be current WAI members with an expiration date of March 30, 2026 or later. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation. Letters should not be from family members. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Women in Aviation International for more information.
Amazon Professional Flight Training Scholarship
Due: 10/15/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
Amazon is proud to offer the Professional Flight Training Scholarship to a remarkable woman enrolled in flight training. This scholarship aims to recognize and empower a woman who exemplifies academic excellence, demonstrates strong leadership potential, and is dedicated to making a positive impact within the aviation community. International applicants are welcomed. All applicants must be current WAI members with an expiration date of March 30, 2026 or later. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation. Letters should not be from family members. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Women in Aviation International for more information.
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Key takeaways about scholarships for women
- Women’s scholarships help reduce college costs across majors, education levels, and life stages.
- Eligibility may be based on academics, financial need, field of study (including STEM), leadership, and community service.
- Apply early and often—pair small awards with larger ones to maximize “free money” for college.
- Ready to apply today? Enter to win our $2,000 No Essay scholarship.
From high school seniors to returning adult learners, women across the country can unlock thousands of dollars in scholarships to help pay for college. This guide shows you how these awards work, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to discover top scholarships to consider—plus resources to keep your search going.
What are women’s scholarships?
Women’s scholarships are financial awards designed to support women pursuing education—from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Awards can be merit-based, need-based, or targeted to specific majors, backgrounds, or interests (for example, STEM or business). Many scholarships are funded by colleges, nonprofits, professional associations, and local community organizations. Because scholarships generally don’t need to be repaid, they’re one of the best ways to lower your total cost of attendance.
Why women’s scholarships matter
- Access: Scholarships open doors to programs and campuses that might otherwise be out of reach.
- Momentum: Targeted awards encourage persistence in fields where women are underrepresented, including STEM and leadership tracks.
- Flexibility: Opportunities exist for high school seniors, college students, first-generation students, and adults returning to school.
How to qualify for women’s scholarships How to qualify for women’s scholarships
Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship. Common criteria include:
- Academic performance (GPA, test scores, coursework)
- Financial need, usually based on information from your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
- Major or program (e.g., engineering, computer science, business, education, arts)
- Leadership, community service, or extracurricular engagement
- Enrollment status (high school senior, college student, adult learner, or returning student)
- Residency or location (many awards are available by state or region)
Pro tip: Build a simple tracker (deadline, requirements, documents submitted) and batch your applications weekly to stay organized and meet more deadlines.
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Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
Top scholarships for women
Use this curated list to start applying now. Pair these with local and niche awards to maximize your results
- Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship and Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships
Quick entry, fast deadlines—apply today to jumpstart your scholarship stack. - STEM focused women’s scholarships
If you’re pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math, explore awards targeted to women in STEM programs. - Business & leadership scholarships for women
From entrepreneurship to corporate leadership tracks, many organizations offer awards to elevate women in business. Find scholarships that align with your major. - Women returning to college
Adult learners and career changers can find awards designed for returning students. - First-generation women
If you’re the first in your family to attend college, targeted scholarships can help you start strong. - Local & state-based awards
Smaller applicant pools can boost your odds—always search close to home. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Explore scholarships that support LGBTQ+ students and allies across diverse identities.
How to apply
- Collect your materials: Transcripts, resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of activities or leadership.
- Complete the FAFSA® (if required): Many need-based awards use FAFSA® data to assess eligibility.
- Tailor your essays: highlight impact, goals, and alignment with each scholarship’s mission.
- Submit on time: track deadlines and set reminders.
- Stack your awards: small scholarships add up—apply widely to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Additional resources for women
- Scholarships by Major - Find scholarships tailored to your field of study—whether it's STEM, arts, business, or education.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors - Perfect for students starting their college journey. Many deadlines fall during senior year.
- Scholarships for College Students - Keep applying throughout college—new opportunities open up every year.
- Scholarships for First Generation Students - If you’re the first in your family to attend college, these scholarships are designed to support you.
- Scholarships for Adults - Returning to school? These scholarships help adult learners fund their education.
- Scholarships for Women - Empowering scholarships for women, including awards specifically for Black women.
- LGBTQ+ Scholarships - Scholarships that support students navigating both racial and LGBTQ+ identities.
- Scholarships by State - Local scholarships often have fewer applicants—boost your chances by applying close to home.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for women's scholarships.
When are scholarship application deadlines?
There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. Each scholarship has its own deadline, so be sure to keep track of dates and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines of scholarships that you want to apply to.
Do you need to know which college you’re attending?
You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. However, once you’re awarded scholarships, some of them may ask for eligibility verification—which can include proof of college enrollment.
Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?
Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out!
Pro tip: Apply for scholarships each year you’re in college.
Does every scholarship application require an essay?
Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay—different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.
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Tips for writing scholarship essays
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Fill out the FAFSA®
Learn when and how to apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize your chances of getting federal student financial aid. Get tips now.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
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